The Future of Garrett Crochet: Trading Rumors Swirl as White Sox Look Ahead
As the MLB offseason approaches, the Chicago White Sox are reportedly planning to trade Garrett Crochet, a talented southpaw currently at the heart of their pitching rotation. At just 25 years old, Crochet offers a blend of youthful potential and proven skill, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to enhance their bullpen.
Crochet, set to remain under team control for two more years, emerged from the 2024 season with impressive stats that underscore his value. He pitched 146 innings with a 3.58 ERA, and his advanced metrics paint an even brighter picture. His Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stood at a stellar 2.69, while his expected ERA was 2.83. Additionally, he boasted a deserved run average of 2.75, indicative of his ability to keep opposing offenses at bay better than raw numbers might suggest.
One of the most notable aspects of Crochet's performance this past season was his dominance in strikeouts. He led all pitchers with at least 140 innings pitched with a 35.1% strikeout rate while maintaining a conservative 5.5% walk rate. Such figures highlight Crochet's capacity to control the mound, a skill that many teams covet.
Enhancing his already robust pitching repertoire, Crochet added a cutter with velocity in the low 90s to his arsenal, further diversifying his attack strategies. Late in the 2024 season, he unveiled an upper-90s sinker, which proved highly effective. Opponents struggled against this addition, hitting just .154 when facing it. Although Crochet threw a limited number of these sinkers—50 in total—36 came in his last three starts, showcasing a growing confidence in his new pitch.
Despite his on-field success, Crochet's relationship with the White Sox appears to be approaching a crossroads, partially catalyzed by contract discussions. Prior to the postseason, Crochet demanded a contract extension as a condition to pitch, a move that underscores his awareness of his worth in the current market. This development, coupled with the White Sox's precarious standing as statistically the worst defensive team in 2024, has fueled speculation about Crochet's future with the club.
A rival evaluator at the GM Meetings succinctly summed up the trade talks, stating, "They're going to trade him this winter. It's not a matter of if. It's a question of when." Such assertions add weight to the swirling rumors and indicate a likely forthcoming change in Crochet's professional baseball journey.
Financially, Crochet's situation is evolving. He earned $800,000 in 2024, but his salary is projected to rise significantly to $2.9 million in 2025. This expected increase reflects not only his past achievements but also his potential to deliver even greater performances in future seasons. However, this looming salary hike could also be a motivating factor for the White Sox to trade him, as they navigate budget constraints and team restructuring endeavors.
Crochet's trajectory into the 2024 season was particularly commendable given his challenges with injuries. Notably, he missed the entire 2022 season due to Tommy John surgery, a setback that can sideline pitchers for extended periods. His recovery and strong return to form have been nothing short of remarkable, making his contributions all the more impressive and sought after.
One intriguing aspect of Crochet's 2024 performance was his effectiveness against right-handed batters compared to left-handed ones, a somewhat unusual trait for a left-handed pitcher, further adding to his allure in trade discussions.
As the White Sox prepare for an offseason of decisions and potential rebuilding, the fate of Garrett Crochet looms large on their agenda. With his impressive skills, developing arsenal, and growing market value, Crochet stands as a significant figure in upcoming trade negotiations, poised to make an impact wherever he lands next.